Seat launches Cupra performance brand with 300 PS Ateca SUV

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Cupra's first car jumps into the high-performance crossover arena

by Anton Andres

February 26, 2018 14:57

It seems like the hot crossover is upon us.

SEAT, a division of the Volkswagen Auto Group, has branched out their Cupra division as a standalone brand. Their first offering is a crossover in the form of the Cupra Ateca and it packs a 300 PS punch.

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The Cupra Ateca is based on the Tiguan and is the most powerful model among the group's C-segment crossovers. As mentioned, it produces 300 PS from its 2.0-liter, turbocharged engine. For now, torque figures have yet to be released but SEAT says it comes with all-wheel drive (dubbed 4Drive) and shifts via a seven-speed dual clutch transmission. In essence, it's a Volkswagen Golf R wrapped in a high-riding body. Cupra claims the Ateca can hit 100 km/h from a standstill in 5.4 seconds, all the way to a top speed of 254 km/h.

Aside from the significant power upgrade, Cupra made changes under the chassis. It's been given a lower and wider stance along with suspension settings. Stopping power is provided by a set of upsized ventilated discs on all four corners. Grip on the other hand is courtesy of the tweaked all-wheel drive system and 19-inch wheels.

To separate it from its lesser-powered, SEAT-badged version, the Cupra Ateca boasts a more aggressive exterior styling package. Its bumper is unique to the sports crossover with its larger air intakes and more angular design. Also, the upper grill features a honeycomb effect on the inside with the new Cupra logo in the center.

Gloss black detailing is also present throughout the body of the Ateca. These are seen on the roof rails, wing mirrors, window frames, side mouldings, wheels, front grille and front and rear diffusers as well as the spoilers that frame the rear window. Adding a sporting character to the Ateca are a set of four exhaust pipes.

The sporting theme continues on the inside. The cabin is trimmed with a mix of leather and Alcantara, along with aluminum trimmings. A thicker steering wheel with a flat bottom takes cues from the sporting models of the Volkswagen Auto Group. To remind the driver that they are driving a Cupra, the logo can be seen on the steering wheel, the floor mats, the key and the multimedia system touchscreen that welcomes the driver when starting the engine. That said, the overall interior design of the Cupra Ateca is largely lifted from the Seat Ateca.